But they also say Houchens, while in jail, wrote letters to family and friends, asking them to lie on his behalf. The letters were used as evidence in court that helped prosecutors get a conviction and arrest witnesses for conspiracy to commit perjury.

“The deputy came in and pointed at every witness and said you’re under arrest,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire. And he says the serial burglar saga didn’t end there.

“He asked somebody to meet him at a location where deputies were transporting him to help him escape,” said McGuire. “But that person turned him in.”

A foiled escape, stolen guns, letters from jail. McGuire says Houchens will have time to write plenty more letters. His suggested sentence is four life-terms. That’s hard time, for quick work.

“You work hard all your life and someone snatches it in 15 minutes,” said Anderson, still fuming. “My father used to say don’t lie, if you have to tell another lie to cover it up.”

Because several burglaries involved the thefts of police officers’ guns, which are classified as deadly weapons, Houchens faces more severe penalties. He’ll be sentenced November 1st. I spoke with several victims Thursday night, who say they hope this conviction means they get their stuff back.